North Island, NZ, Road Trip Recap — One Week of Wonder Before Oz

How did we end up in New Zealand?

It all started with a flight deal: Toronto to Auckland. Our ultimate goal was to reach Perth, Australia to visit some friends by a specific date, so we planned backward and thought — why not spend a week in New Zealand first to adjust to the time change?

My first step when trip planning is always to check Hilton hotel locations, since we have a solid status that truly elevates our stays. Once we saw a few good Hilton options near Auckland, we were sold. We knew we’d land in Auckland and would need to rent a car. Since we love having a few nights in one place, we went with a 3-3-1 itinerary — and spoiler alert: it worked perfectly.

We didn’t even step into Auckland’s city center. The outdoors were just that spectacular.

Day-by-Day Highlights

Day 1 – Arrival + First Hike

We arrived far too early in the morning, but thankfully we were able to check into our hotel — and it made all the difference. After lunch, we headed out for a short hike to get some sunshine and movement. That little bit of nature helped us adjust to New Zealand time right away.

Day 2 – Mount Eden + Rainbow Skies

A winter morning greeted us with clouds and passing rain, but we still climbed Mount Eden. Just as we reached the top, the sky opened up and we caught a rainbow — one of those small but magical moments that make a trip.

Day 1 and 2: https://www.nomadiclovebirds.com/post/new-zealand-part-1-landing-in-aotearoa-arrival-tips-auckland-nature-that-first-volcano-vibe

Day 3 – Piha Beach + Hikes

We drove out to Piha Beach, and we were glad we’d had a little practice driving on the left before tackling this road. Don’t forget your hiking gear — there are plenty of trails in the area. And if the season allows, bring a swimsuit for a dip!

Day 4 – Hobbiton Magic

We headed to Hobbiton, and the sunny drive made the green New Zealand landscape pop with color. Along the way, we saw sheep, cows, and other animals dotting the hills. Was it touristy? Sure. But it was also beautifully done, and we’re so glad we didn’t skip it.

Day 3 and 4: https://www.nomadiclovebirds.com/post/new-zealand-part-2-piha-s-black-sands-kitekite-falls-a-visit-to-middle-earth

Day 5 – Tama Lakes Track

This was the big hike of the trip: 17 km round trip. It started off flat and felt like it would never end. The weather was fickle — we went from needing hats and gloves to tank tops depending on the clouds. The lower lake was pretty, but not mind-blowing. The volcanoes were still hidden in the mist.

We debated turning around but kept going — and are so glad we did. At the top, the wind was icy, my hands were freezing, but the clouds parted just in time to reveal the upper lake and volcanoes. It was honestly magical. We rushed back as the sun began to set, often running across the flats, but stopping often to soak in the sudden views. The loop trail continued past a waterfall, but don’t be fooled — the signs were way off on timing. Lots of stairs, and our legs were DONE. What a day.

Day 6 – Lake Taupō Sailing

Sailing on Lake Taupō in winter was chilly — gloves and hats recommended. The tour gave us some background on the region, and we saw the famous Māori rock carvings. Fun fact: if you want to eat trout here, you’ll need to catch it yourself — you won’t find it on restaurant menus or in stores.

Day 7 – Waitomo Caves Adventure

For our final day, we booked a 5-hour adventure tour through the glowworm caves. It’s easy to say “sure!” to rappelling, ziplining, and waterfall climbing from the comfort of your couch. It’s another thing entirely when you’re leaning backward into a dark hole.

The adrenaline was real. Rappelling down went okay, but that initial lean-back moment was intense. Ziplining in pitch black was fun but nerve-wracking. The scariest part? Jumping into the freezing water while sitting in a tube — I was not flipping like everyone else did! Crawling on all fours through a side tunnel, climbing up a waterfall, and squeezing between rocks with the water just below your chin… It was a real challenge, but we’re glad we pushed through and didn’t miss out.

Day 5, 6 and 7 : https://www.nomadiclovebirds.com/post/new-zealand-part-3-lake-taup%C5%8D-volcanic-hikes-glowworm-adventures

Final Thoughts

New Zealand’s North Island has so much more to offer, and we barely scratched the surface — but for one week, we packed it full of adventure. After landing in Australia, we definitely needed a few days to recover from that whirlwind week!

What’s Next?

We’re currently traveling across Australia — but we’re already looking at looping back to New Zealand to explore the South Island before heading home. Think glaciers, Queenstown food tours, and maybe even a scenic flight over Milford Sound. Stay tuned.